QUESTIONS TO ASK

Before you decide to accept or reject a particular job, there are many questions you can ask which will provide enough information to make a proper decision.

This page offers some suggestions of questions you could ask when finding out information about a job.

Some of these could even be asked in a job interview.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Briefly describe the main tasks that are involved in the job.

What would I be expected to do?- handle money, tools, people, sit, stand, lift, walk, be indoors/outdoors, with others/by myself, doing hard/easy tasks, enough variety in job, what would I like/dislike about this?

Who would I be working with and how closely?

Are other workers my age or younger/older?

Would I deal with customers, suppliers or visitors? Who? When? Where? Why?

Who can help me if I need it?

PERSONAL QUALITIES/SKILLS NEEDED

What general abilities and special skills are needed?

Can these be developed later if I don’t have them now?

Does the job suit those school subjects I did well in?

Are any special qualities, manner, behaviour or character needed? Is a strong physique necessary?

Have I any physical DISabilities (include health problems) which could prevent me doing this job?

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

What level of education is required?

Am I doing the right subjects at school to do this job?

Am I doing well enough in these subjects?

What alternative levels of entry are available?

TRAINING

What special job training is needed?

Do I need to do any special courses?

Where are they done?

How long will it take?

Are they full-time or part-time?

How much will it cost?

Who pays for it?

Do I get paid during my training?

Can I get any scholarships or allowances to help me meet any costs?

PROMOTION PROSPECTS

What higher levels will this job lead to?

What must I do to get further in the job?

Will there be jobs in the future?

Is the industry growing, stable or declining?

What are the chances of promotion within a particular firm, or with other firms?

Does the firm provide courses or time off for study?

Will training and experience in this field allow me to get a different job later on in life?

METHOD OF ENTRY

Is there a standard method of entering the job such as an apprenticeship, traineeship, etc.?

If so, what are the special conditions for it?

Are there any age, height, weight, etc. limits?

Do I need any special checks done? Police Check? Working with Children? etc

Is it hard to get a position in this type of work?

When, where and how often are vacancies advertised?

Is it a popular job with others?

EFFECTS ON MY LIFESTYLE

How much will my work interfere with, or improve, my life outside of work?

How will my free time be affected-overtime, taking work home, travelling time?

What would my family and friends think of this job?

How would it affect my dress, appearance, manner, health, social life?